It’s not a repudiation of the entire process but it’s a step.  A bill to allow the US Environmental Protection Agency to regulate hydraulic fracturing, a process where by millions of gallons of water – mixed with sand and other chemicals – are shot into the ground in order to bring up natural gas, was introduced today.  Currently it’s up to states to regulate hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, and some states do a better job than others.  Few states, if any – and especially not Arkansas, require gas companies to disclose exactly what chemicals are used in the process.  It’s suspected that drinking frack water is what killed 19 cows in Louisiana recently.  Treating illnesses or emergency health problems due to exposure to frack water is complicated by the secrecy of the formula as well – health professionals don’t know what they’re dealing with.  For more details on the process, check out the Natural Resources Defense Council report Drilling Down.  For more info on the bill, check out Amy Mall’s blog, Switchboard.  

Here’s some more resources:  For history, fact sheets and all kinds of info, check out EarthWorks, and the Oil and Gas Accountability Project.

Advertisement

Read the House bill, introduced by Diana Degette, D-CO and others.

Read the Senate version, introduced by Sen. Bob Casey, D-PA

Advertisement

50 years of fearless reporting and still going strong

Be a part of something bigger and join the fight for truth by subscribing or donating to the Arkansas Times. For 50 years, our progressive, alternative newspaper in Little Rock has been tackling powerful forces through our tough, determined, and feisty journalism. With over 63,000 Facebook followers, 58,000 Twitter followers, 35,000 Arkansas blog followers, and 70,000 email subscribers, it's clear that our readers value our commitment to great journalism. But we need your help to do even more. By subscribing or donating – as little as $1 –, you'll not only have access to all of our articles, but you'll also be supporting our efforts to hire more writers and expand our coverage. Take a stand with the Arkansas Times and make a difference with your subscription or donation today.

Previous article Best high schools in U.S. Next article I scream — nabbed!